FROG SURVEY BEGINS 7TH YEAR: MI

Article Posted: April 18, 2002

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FROG SURVEY BEGINS 7TH YEAR

LANSING--State Natural Resource officials today announced
the seventh annual statewide Frog and Toad Survey
coordinated by the Natural Heritage Unit of the DNR Wildlife
Division.
Frog surveys were initiated in 1988 to increase knowledge of
frog and toad abundance and distribution in Michigan at a
time when frogs, toads, and other amphibians were declining
worldwide. In 1996, a statewide system of permanent survey
routes was developed. Each route consists of ten wetland
sites, which are visited three times during spring and
summer by volunteer observers. At each site, the observer
identifies the species present based on calls and makes an
estimate of their abundance.
"This is one of our largest and most successful public
involvement efforts of this type in the state," said Raymond
Rustem, DNR Natural Heritage Program supervisor.
To date, there are more than 400 routes statewide, running
through every Michigan county. More than 130 of the routes
have existed throughout all six previous years of the
survey.
"It may take several more years to establish population
trends based on these surveys," said program Coordinator
Lori Sargent. "We are on the verge of having a large, very
valuable data set on Michigan's frog populations. Every
year, we have additional routes, so the continued success of
the program is dependent on strong volunteer support."
For more information on the Frog and Toad Survey or to get
information on other projects supported by the Nongame Fish
and Wildlife Fund, visit the DNR Web site though
www.midnr.com.



Source: MDNR






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